The Promise & Hope of a Better Country

Many years ago, I listened to a missionary from India speak about the hardships faced when trying to share the gospel with impoverished people that belong to a caste system.

He shared how those that were both poor in money, and poor in spirit, had to be reached with both Truth and physical or financial provision.

Because of this, he, his wife and children chose to live a very frugal life so that they could give more towards the needs of others.

That man shared how he had prayed and asked the Lord to stamp eternity on his eyes so that he would always see the spiritual needs of others as more important that his own financial needs.

I remember hearing his testimony and feeling a fire start to burn within my own heart.

Up until that point, I had been torn by a desire to serve the Lord in a more radical way, and also have all the things typical of a middle class American family.

I was living to live, but I wanted desperately to live to give.

In that moment, I could clearly see how my desire for comfort and approval was getting in the way of living without abandon in the way that the Lord would have me live.

That is when I too, asked the Lord to stamp eternity on my eyes, and help me live with less so that I would be free to do work that had eternal value.

I would love to say that I immediately began living with strength and boldness in proclaiming the gospel like the godly men of old but…truth be told, there were and are still days that I find myself sinning all over the place.

After that little Mt. Sinai moment, I opened my eyes and went back to changing diapers, cooking dinner and buying stuff I didn’t need.

No huge miracles happened that day but changes did began to take place.

I began to obey the Lord a little faster because I was reminded that the weariness from the never ending mundane tasks, discomfort from my trials or the pain of my losses would only last so long.

I repent a lot faster now too so that I can get back to the work of leaving a legacy of faith to my kids.

I give a lot more because I know that if I don’t, I will just spend that money on more stupid gadgets that I don’t need, only to end up having to declutter later.

I'm still changing too.

I don't get so angry when something breaks and I offer a lot more grace in place of criticism and judgement.

As you go about your day today, think long and hard about the promise and blessing of a new home and city, in a place of perfection with the lover of your soul.

Then ask Him to stamp eternity on your eyes and show you ways that you can give truth and provision to someone in spiritual or financial poverty.

Do it knowing that what you give will be small compared to the worth of what you will gain in the better country.